The Ukrainian army has deployed Colombian mercenary units to the Sumy region in an attempt to regain lost positions, according to Russian security services. Reports indicate that poor coordination between Ukrainian units has already led to cases of «friendly fire," including incidents involving the 95th Separate Air Assault Brigade.

A representative of Russia’s security agencies explained that the mercenaries had been sent to reinforce the area but clashes with neighboring Ukrainian formations had highlighted the lack of proper coordination.

Earlier, Russian officials said fighting in the vicinity of Stepove and Alekseyevka had temporarily subsided following the arrival of Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi at the command post of the 95th Brigade. Heavy battles, however, were reported along the Novokonstantynivka-Varachyno-Yunakivka line.

Russian forces continue offensive operations in the Sumy direction, with the stated aim of establishing a buffer zone along the border with Russia.